Edo to collaborate with bodies to check migration

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, said his administration would collaborate with relevant organisations and agencies to reduce irregular migration by young persons from the state.
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Obaseki stated this, when he launched ‘Creation of Alternatives To Migration Through Socio-economic Development And Sensitisation Project,’ initiated by Actionaid Nigeria in Benin.

Represented by ‎the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, he explained that the state government would inaugurate a task force on anti-trafficking later in the month.

He said: “We understand we have a problem on irregular migration. To an extent, we have it with young men. But we have it to a greater extent with the many women that are being trafficked.”

The Country Director of the organisation, Ojobo Atuluku, said the project is targeted at reduction of exposure of Edo youths to attendant risks of irregular migration, using livelihoods, conflict management and communication for behavioural change strategies.

Represented by the Programme Manager, Olugbenro Olajuigbe, Atuluku said with the gradual closure of legal immigration routes to Europe, due to stricter border controls and interception on the seas of West African ships, the dangers inherent in irregular migration have increased, with numerous deaths recorded.

She explained that the project would also provide 1, 600 young persons in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas with opportunities for skill acquisition, as part of efforts to address issues that create conditions for irregular migration, such as unemployment, poverty, exclusion and inequality.

Atuluku stated: “These will be achieved through provision of income-generating skills, job alternatives and transparent information on migration process. The project will address various forms of skill support for young people, particularly women, which will keep them engaged in productive and profitable activities, as well as give them resources to support realisation of their dreams here in the country.”